Governor vetoes HIV/AIDS rent bill

Paterson says decision was hard, but that state can't afford it

ALBANY -- New York Gov. David Paterson vetoed a bill Sunday aimed at helping welfare recipients with AIDS and the HIV virus by limiting the amount of rent charged them.

The Democratic governor said it was "the hardest veto" he has ever issued, but added that the state could not afford the $20 million in yearly subsidies the program would cost.

"This is my most difficult veto," Paterson said. "I recognize, sadly, the history of the inadequacy of services government has brought to bear for those with HIV/AIDS. But, unhappily, this is not the only veto decision I have had to make that could adversely affect innocent New Yorkers who are seriously ill or disabled and who look to government for assistance. Yet I am duty-bound."

Paterson said if the Legislature can find the funding, he will sign the bill.

Advocates said the veto will force more people suffering from AIDS and HIV into homelessness. They criticized the governor's action as counterproductive, saying that caring for people in homeless shelters and in hospital emergency rooms is more expensive than caring for people who have a place to live.

But Paterson said the bill represents the latest admirable cause that can't be funded during the state's continued fiscal crisis. He said he urged the Senate and Assembly to include funding for the bill, which would have required cuts elsewhere or new revenue, but they refused.

The bill passed by the Democratic majorities of the Assembly and Senate sought to allow the government to pay more of the rent and utilities of welfare recipients with AIDS and HIV so that they would pay no more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Many have turned to public housing because the cost of treatments forced them from their homes and nonsubsidized apartments, advocates said.

The Senate's Democratic majority, fighting to keep its power in this fall's elections, said the lame duck governor's veto was irresponsible.

"Some things shouldn't have a price tag," said Senate majority spokesman Austin Shafran. "Vetoing a bill that protects lifesaving access to affordable housing for 30,000 of our most vulnerable citizens is morally reprehensible and fiscally irresponsible."

Shafran rejected Paterson's claim the state couldn't afford the program, saying the measure would save money in other areas such as public assistance and emergency hospital care. He also said the cost would have been borne by New York City which can afford it, rather than the state.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg strongly disagreed, saying "This is not the time for unfunded mandates, no matter how well-intentioned,"